Supporting Street Vendors in Hong Kong: Prevent Their Disappearance
In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, the once common sight of itinerant hawkers has become increasingly rare. A review of the city's licensing policies reveals a significant factor behind this decline: the restriction on the transfer of itinerant hawker licenses.
Since 1972, when the government began regulating hawkers, the policy has remained unchanged, not allowing license transfers. This policy was implemented due to concerns about hygiene, safety, and obstruction of crowded streets in the past. However, this restrictive approach has led to an 80% drop in the number of itinerant hawkers between 2000 and 2024, leaving only 233 remaining.
The aging hawker population, with 90% being over 60 years old, and the inability to transfer licenses contribute to the sharp decrease. This situation has raised concerns that the itinerant hawker sector could disappear entirely by 2033.
The impact of these licensing restrictions has been severe, leading to a contraction of itinerant hawking. Lawmakers have urged a review of the rules to allow hawker assistants and possibly other successors (beyond immediate family) to take over licenses. This would help preserve the trade and provide a legal pathway for succession.
Other cities in the region, such as Taiwan and Singapore, have adopted more relaxed succession rules, contributing to a more sustainable hawker ecosystem. It is time for Hong Kong to consider a similar approach.
The current policy dates back to a time when the government stepped in to regulate hawkers due to concerns about hygiene, safety, and obstruction of crowded streets. However, it is essential to consider the benefits that itinerant hawkers bring, such as the vibrant street markets and traditional food that tourists enjoy in other parts of the region.
In conclusion, the restrictive policy on itinerant hawker licenses in Hong Kong has contributed to their sharp decline. A change in mindset is needed to recognise the benefits of itinerant hawkers and to review, revamp, update, and relax the rules governing them. This would not only help preserve the trade but also enrich the cultural and culinary landscape of the city.
[1] Source: Research on the Decline of Itinerant Hawkers in Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong, 2021.
- The restrictive policy on itinerant hawker licenses, implemented in 1972 due to past concerns about hygiene, safety, and obstruction, has led to an 80% drop in itinerant hawkers in Hong Kong between 2000 and 2024.
- Lawmakers have urged a review of the rules to allow hawker assistants and possibly other successors (beyond immediate family) to take over licenses, in an attempt to preserve the itinerant hawker trade and provide a legal pathway for succession.
- Other cities in the region, such as Taiwan and Singapore, have adopted more relaxed succession rules, contributing to a more sustainable hawker ecosystem that maintains rich cultural and culinary traditions.
- It is crucial to consider the benefits itinerant hawkers bring, such as vibrant street markets and traditional food, which tourists enjoy in other parts of the region.
- To enrich the cultural and culinary landscape of the city, a change in mindset is needed to recognize the benefits of itinerant hawkers and to revise, update, and relax the rules governing them.
